The Chemical and Biological Defense Division (CBD) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is seeking fellow(s) to work directly with senior staff within the division in support of various projects.
CBD manages a research portfolio of approximately $100 million and works to increase the Nation’s preparedness against chemical and biological threats through improved threat awareness, advanced surveillance and detection and responsive countermeasures. A key element to the success of the projects within CBD is coordination with intra- and inter-agency stakeholders to ensure that products developed are useful in the broader interagency context. Primary partners include the Department of Defense, Health and Human Services, United States Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Agency.
“While the majority of the work is conducted in the Washington, DC, area, there are opportunities for domestic, and possibly international, travel,” DHS said, noting, “The Chemical and Biological Defense Division has hosted fellows before and several current employees and potential mentors are former American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) fellows.”
Specific projects will be developed based on the interests of the individual fellow and the needs of the office. Experiences may include but are not limited to:
- Assist with oversight and evaluationof the projects to ensure that Statement of Work tasks are completed on schedule and milestones are met in accordance with the Statement of Work;
- Design and execute quick turn scientific and technical analyses;
- Liaise with interagency, international and non-governmental partners to coordinate and advance joint research and development efforts;
- Provide input on program documents and products related to consistency with guidance and relevant program objectives;
- Provide subject matter expertise to other projects within Chemical and Biological Defense Division and other parts of S&T, as needed;
- Assist in the organization of workshops, meetings, discussions to convene Federal and international stakeholders to gain consensus on research and/or policy issues that are roadblocks to current projects; and
- Assist in the development of new project ideas, concepts, briefing materials and facilitating conversations with interagency and industry stakeholders to scope the new projects.
“The fellow(s) will also have the chance to work on various projects within the division at different stages of development. Additional projects may be developed based on the interests of the fellow(s) and the needs of the office. The fellow(s) will work directly with the program managers within CBD,” DHS said.
DHS said, “Because the division has many interagency partners, and provides decision support for policy and decision makers, there are numerous educational opportunities. These include becoming familiar with US government policy and how it influences work in the US government, working closely with many interagency stakeholders to understand their needs, their policy constraints and objectives and to engage them in the work at DHS S&T."
"Further educational opportunities afforded by this position include preparing and delivering briefings to high level federal lawmakers, decision makers and advisory panels to the highest levels of US government, including the White House National Security Council," DHS noted. "Additional educational opportunities are provided through workshops, seminars, working group meetings and various briefings to/by the numerous stakeholders of the DHS programs.”
The appointment is full-time for 12 months and may be renewed based upon recommendation of the DHS S&T and availability of funding. The selected applicant will receive a stipend as support for their living and other expenses during the appointment. Stipend rates are determined by DHS S&T officials and are based on the applicant’s academic and professional background. Stipend will include an allowance for health insurance and local transit subsidy. A travel budget for fellowship related travel (predominantly domestic) and professional development is provided.
The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, DHS, Department of Energy or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.
Qualifications
Educational Requirements: Masters and/or Doctoral degree in the life sciences or related sciences (e.g., human medicine, veterinary medicine, microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology, physics, biochemistry, chemistry, agriculture, etc.).
Required skills and knowledge
- Experience independently analyzing a problem set, designing and conducting studies, evaluating results, formulating conclusions, making recommendations and translating highly complex information in simple terms easily understood by a diverse audience;
- Knowledge of a broad spectrum of potential chemical/biological/agricultural threats;
- Demonstrated proficiency in technical writing, oral communication, interpersonal skills and critical thinking;
- Flexible and readily adaptable to change; including changes in processes, requirements and priorities;
- Demonstrates self-motivation and attention to detail to complete assigned tasks correctly, thoroughly and efficiently;
- Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite of programs (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word). Experience with Microsoft Project is a plus; and
- For some positions, ability to obtain up to a TS/SCI level security clearance.
Eligibility requirements
- Citizenship: US citizen only;
- Degree: Currently pursuing a Master’s degree or Doctoral degree or have received one of these degrees;
- Discipline(s): Life health and medical sciences (all), other physical sciences (all);
- Veteran status: None.
How To apply
A complete application package consists of:
- Transcript(s) – for this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Selected candidate must provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start. Proof must be sent to ORISE directly from the academic institution including graduation date and degree awarded. All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation;
- A current resume/CV; and
- Two references.
If you have questions, send an email to [email protected]. Please include the reference code, DHS-RPP-CBD-2017-0001, for this opportunity in your email.
